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Grape Creek Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash on U.S. 87

A motorcycle and truck collided on U.S. 87 at Apache Lane on July 13, 2017. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)

A motorcycle and truck collided on U.S. 87 at Apache Lane on July 13, 2017. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)

A motorcycle and truck collided on U.S. 87 at Apache Lane on July 13, 2017. (LIVE! Photo/Joe Hyde)

By Joe Hyde | Jul. 14, 2017 9:35 am

Last Updated: Jul. 14, 2017 8:54 am

SAN ANGELO, TX — At 6:05 p.m. Thursday evening, a motorcyclist and Ram dually flatbed truck collided on U.S. 87 at Apache Trail north of San Angelo, killing the motorcyclist.

According to the initial crash investigation, Texas DPS stated that a white Ram 3500 flatbed pickup headed west on Apache Lane stopped at the intersection of the northbound lanes of U.S. 87 and then proceeded across the highway. The driver, Slade Duane, 28, of San Angelo, failed to yield the right-of-way to the northbound motorcyclist who was in the inside lane of the four-lane divided highway.

The motorcyclist and Ram collided in the intersection.

The crash scene moments after it happened:

Video of Motorcyclist killed in two-vehicle crash on U.S. 87 north of San Angelo

Killed in the crash was the motorcyclist, Michael Daniel Delvin, 48, of Grape Creek. He was pronounced dead at Shannon Medical Center by Dr. Scott Hodge. He was driving a 1999 Honda Shadow.

Texas DPS led the investigation of the crash assisted by the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office. Grape Creek VFD was seen directing all northbound traffic on U.S. 87 off the highway and onto the service road while the crash investigation was being conducted.

When the first responders were notified of the major crash over the radio, dispatch informed EMS that a male was lying on the ground and there was some discussion as to whether or not he was breathing. Two ambulances were initially dispatched, but one was turned back once first responders assessed the number of injured at the scene.

The location of the crash:

One ambulance departed the scene with lights and sirens shortly after arriving. A Tom Green County Sheriff’s Deputy was seen following closely behind in a Ford Explorer cruiser.

You are absolutely right, all of us should be more aware of people on motorcycles. They can sometimes zip in and out of traffic, and sometimes seem to appear out of nowhere, so we all need to be aware of them.
That being said, I live out 87N so I'm familiar with the area and actually drove by on my way home right after this accident happened. I feel so sad for the family of the motorcycle driver and so sorry they are having to deal with this tragedy. I'm not trying to make excuses for the truck driver because I don't know what he was doing or thinking, but I do know at that time of day from where he was coming, he was facing into the setting sun. I also noticed the motorcycle was painted a silver color which blends into the color of the highway, and under those situations, I can more understand how the accident happened. That doesn't give him a pass, but show how it would be easier for him to not see the motorcycle.
May God bless both driver and victim.